US officials estimate that as few as 50 hostages are still alive – Wall Street Journal

US officials estimate that of the 116 hostages believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza, just 50 are still alive, the Wall Street Journal reports.

The assessment, based on a combination of Israeli and US intelligence, puts the number of deceased hostages at 66, a far higher number than Israel has publicly confirmed.

The IDF has confirmed the deaths of 41 hostages still in captivity, based on intelligence and findings obtained by troops operating in Gaza.

Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, the head of the medical team for the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Hagai Levine says there is cause to be “extremely worried.”

“It seems like every week more hostages are dying or getting in danger or very sick,” he says.

The Wall Street Journal adds that both the Prime Minister’s Office and the IDF declined to comment on the estimation.